Oldham Council pledges £100,000 to help local companies and create jobs

OLDHAM Council is pledging £100,000 to help boost businesses in the borough.

The local authority is offering local firms the chance to apply for funding to help them grow and expand.

Under the Oldham Business Grants scheme small, medium and large sized firms in priority sectors such as manufacturing and digital can apply for up to £10,000.

As well as helping the firms financially, the successful applicants will have to show they are using the money to create job opportunities.

The fund is not just for businesses already established here. If you are thinking of relocating into the borough then you could also apply.

Cllr Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “As a council we’re committed to supporting our businesses and we are here to help where we can.

“I’ve spoken to many business owners who have invested their own money about how we can help them, and also work together to help move the borough forward.

“A common theme has come out of these conversations – having the money to expand their businesses which then leads onto the creation of new jobs, something we are serious about through our Get Oldham Working programme.

“The Oldham Business Grants fund shows we’ve listened to what people are saying and taking action to help them out.

“We are doing our bit by providing this funding, please do your bit – buy from local businesses and support our borough’s economy.”

The Oldham Business Grants scheme is part of a package of support that is available.

This includes a wide range of free help, whether your business is already established in the borough, looking to set, grow in size or relocate here.

You can also get financial support, expert business planning advice, workforce development guidance, international trade and energy efficiency support and access to business events and networks.

Businesses can get in touch with the council’s Business Growth and Investment Team to see what support they could benefit from. Email: invest@oldham.gov.uk